Getting Married in Greece: A Legal Guide for UK, US & Canadian Couples | Serenity London

Saying 'I Do' Under the Grecian Sun: Your Ultimate Guide to a Legally Perfect Wedding in Greece

Καλώς ορίσατε! Welcome, beautiful couples, to the first step in planning your dream wedding in Greece.

As a luxury wedding planner specialising in these sacred shores, I’ve witnessed the magic firsthand: the sapphire Aegean, the cliffside sunsets, the whispers of ancient history. It’s a backdrop unlike any other. But before you can dance the night away under the stars, we must navigate the legalities to ensure your union is as official as it is breathtaking.

The process is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. The key distinction we make is between a Legal Ceremony, a Greek Orthodox Ceremony, and a Symbolic Ceremony. Let’s demystify it all, step-by-step.

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First, Choose Your Ceremony Type

1. The Full Legal Marriage

This is a civil ceremony performed by a Greek mayor or a appointed public official. It is fully recognised in the UK, US, and Canada.

• For UK Citizens: This is your most common route. Your marriage will be legally binding back home.

• For US & Canadian Citizens: This is also a valid legal route. You will receive a Greek marriage certificate, which you may need to have translated and authenticated for use back home (we handle that for you).

2. The Greek Orthodox Church Ceremony

A ceremony in a Greek Orthodox church is also legally binding in Greece and your home country. This is a profound and beautiful experience, rich in tradition. However, there are specific rules, especially if one or both of you are not Orthodox.

3. The Symbolic Ceremony (The Stress-Free & Creative Option)

This is the most popular choice for my international couples, and for good reason. You get legally married at your local city hall before you travel. Then, in Greece, you have a personalised, non-legally binding ceremony officiated by a celebrant. The benefits?

• Zero Paperwork in Greece: You can focus entirely on the celebration.

• Total Creative Freedom: Write your own vows, choose any location (even ones not licensed for legal weddings), and tailor every moment.

• Simplified Process: It removes all the administrative steps below.

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Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Legal Wedding in Greece

If you’ve chosen a full legal or church wedding, here is your essential roadmap.

Step 1: The Preliminary Work (6-12 Months Before)

This is the most crucial phase. Do not book flights until you understand this step!

1. Contact the Local Greek Municipality: You must get married in a specific town hall or community office that is authorised for weddings. As your planner, I will identify the correct office for your chosen destination (e.g., Santorini, Mykonos, Athens) and make initial contact.

2. Gather Your Documents: This is the non-negotiable part. All documents must be recent (issued within 6 months) and accompanied by an official Apostille stamp and, if necessary, a certified translation into Greek.

Document Checklist for ALL Couples:

• Valid Passports

• Birth Certificates (Long-form, showing parents' names)

• Certificate of No Impediment (Single Status Affidavit): A document sworn before a notary public stating you are free and legal to marry.

• Decree Absolute (if divorced) or Death Certificate (if widowed).

Specifics for Your Nationality:

• For UK Citizens: Your Single Status Affidavit must be notarised and then receive an Apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

• For US Citizens: Your documents must receive an Apostille from the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. The process varies by state.

• For Canadian Citizens: Canada is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead, your notarised documents must be authenticated by Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and then by the Greek Consulate responsible for your region.

3. Finalise Dates & Submission:

• You must physically be in Greece to submit your documents to the town hall at least one week before the wedding. A representative (like me!) can often do this on your behalf with a notarised power of attorney, which simplifies your trip.

• The municipality will then issue a wedding license, and your ceremony date and time are officially set.

Step 2: The Greek Orthodox Church Ceremony – Additional Rules

If your heart is set on a church wedding, we must add these layers:

• Baptismal Certificates: You must both provide a recent copy of your baptismal certificate.

• For Non-Orthodox Couples: The Greek Holy Synod must grant special permission. This is common but not guaranteed. A key requirement is that both partners must be baptised Christians in a denomination that recognises the Holy Trinity.

• Pre-Cana Courses: Some parishes may require you to attend pre-marital counselling.

• Church Availability: Popular churches book up years in advance. We must begin this process very early.

Step 3: Your Wedding Week in Greece

The hard work is done! Now for the magic.

• Arrive & Relax: You’ve already submitted your paperwork, so your first few days are for finalising details, enjoying your welcome dinner, and soaking in the sun.

• The Rehearsal: We will run through the ceremony at your stunning venue.

• The Legal Ceremony: On your wedding day, the mayor or official will conduct a short, beautiful civil service. You will need two witnesses (we can provide these if your guests are not comfortable). You will sign the legal registry.

• The Celebration: Now, it’s official! Celebrate with champagne, a fantastic meal, and dance until dawn.

Step 4: After the Wedding

• You will receive a provisional marriage certificate on the day.

• The official, multi-lingual version will be available from the town hall a few days later. I always recommend obtaining several copies.

• For US and Canadian couples, you may need to register your marriage with your local county or vital statistics office upon your return. Your Greek marriage certificate (with an Apostille) is your key document.

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My Professional Advice as Your Planner

While a legal wedding in Greece is a beautiful and authentic experience, I guide most of my international couples towards the Symbolic Ceremony.

Why? It eliminates the stress of international bureaucracy. You handle the simple legalities at home, on your own timeline. When you arrive in Greece, your only job is to be present, emotional, and ready for the most personalised, meaningful ceremony of your dreams, without a single form to sign.

No matter which path you choose, my team and I are here to handle the complexities, liaise with the authorities, and ensure your journey to the altar is as seamless and magical as the love you celebrate.

Ready to begin? Let’s craft your unforgettable Greek wedding, together.

With love and philotimo,

Xenia xo

More Than a Stay: Cap St. George, Paphos

My life is a collection of mood boards, floor plans, and sensory details. I’m obsessed with how spaces make people feel. So, when I travel, it’s never just a holiday; it’s a masterclass in hospitality, a source of inspiration, and a deep dive into the soul of a place. My recent escape to the breathtaking Cap St. George Hotel in Paphos was exactly that, a lesson in flow and genuine warmth.

From the moment I arrived, the property unfolded like a beautifully sequenced event. The flow from the grand entrance to the serene pools and down to the sparkling Mediterranean is a study in intentional design. It’s a venue that understands anticipation and reveal, a principle we love in event planning.

A Feast for the Senses: Culinary Journeys

My inner (and outer) foodie was in heaven. We embarked on a culinary tour of the hotel’s offerings, and each venue had its own distinct personality.

Kohili Restaurant: The energy here is incredible. It’s views, a statement, and a culinary adventure all in one. The perfect spot for a relaxed and sophisticated, high-impact dinner.

Thalassa Pool bar: For those sun-drenched days, the poolside service was seamless. It’s the kind of casual luxury that feels both indulgent and completely natural.

Breakfast at Yeronisos: A spectacular start to the day. The spread was not just abundant; it was thoughtfully curated. The space is bright, airy, and sets a positive, energetic tone for whatever lies ahead.

Design & Detail: The Art of the Room

The layout was a masterclass in maximising both space and comfort. The clean, contemporary lines were warmed by natural textures and a palette that mirrored the Cypriot landscape. It’s the kind of design that feels luxurious without being ostentatious, calm, considered, and deeply inviting. As someone who spends their life thinking about guest experience, I appreciated every detail, from the lighting to the quality of the linens (what a comfortable bed!)

Work Mode

Of course, I couldn’t resist switching into work mode and exploring their event spaces. Let me tell you, I was seriously impressed.

The Chapel: It’s a slice of serenity and Cypriot cultural, pure and simple. While it’s important to note that it’s not currently licensed for religious ceremonies, its potential for something incredibly special is undeniable. Imagine an intimate dinner party infront of the chapel as the sun sets? During the right season, it would be absolutely magical.

The Ballrooms & Beyond: The hotel boasts a range of adaptable spaces, all clearly built with professionals in mind. The Amphora Ballroom is their largest, a blank canvas with great technical specs. And yes, I noticed it doesn’t have a sea view, but as I joked during the tour, that’s probably for the best! No distracting your guests from the main event with that gorgeous Mediterranean blue. Sometimes, focus is a good thing.

What truly stood out was the evident considerations for infrastructure. The integrated AV, sound, and lighting systems were top-tier. This isn’t an afterthought; it’s a core part of their offering, which is a huge relief for any planner.

A Nod to the Arts: I was thrilled to learn they host numerous art exhibitions. They have two spaces specifically designed for exhibits, with perfect lighting and flow. This commitment to culture aligns perfectly with a property that feels like a living gallery of design itself.

Until Next Time…

My only regret? Not experiencing their halloumi-making activity! But that just gives me the perfect excuse to return. A property that can make you feel so completely immersed, yet leaves you with a reason to come back, has truly mastered its craft.

Cap St. George isn’t just a hotel; it’s a destination that understands the powerful intersection of travel, design, and heartfelt hospitality. As someone who visits Cyprus multiple times a year but has not a new benchmark for me, and a tremendous source of inspiration. To the team, thank you for a unforgettable experience. I’ll be back—with my event planner’s notebook, and my swimsuit.

Planning your own inspired escape or event? Discover more at https://www.capstgeorges.com/.